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Unique, Only-in-Jersey Museums

1. Lucy the Elephant — Margate City

Step inside this gigantic elephant-shaped structure and get tickets to a guided tour. There are about 130 steps to climb that lead to a beautiful view of the shore. 

2. ​Insectropolis — Toms River

If your kid is into creepy crawlies, check out Insectropolis, where you can see exhibits of live insects like spiders, beetles, scorpions, and more. You can even time your visit around the touch times, when guests can meet a live tarantula, millipede, or hissing cockroach.

RELATED: Best New Jersey Arcades To Visit with Kids

There are more than 150 vintage pinball and arcade games to try at Silverball. Photo by Lisa Warden

3. Silverball Museum — Asbury Park

Learn a little about the history of your favorite games and play on this huge collection of pinball and classic games. Challenge the kids to pinball, Pac-Man, Skeeball, or one of the over 150 games. Admission is hourly or half-/full-day passes.

4. NJ Surf Museum — Tuckerton

This museum is said to be one of the largest museums dedicated to surfing on the East Coast. Exhibits cover the stories of local surfers, surf culture, the science of surfing and waves, and surfing memorabilia. Over 50 surfboards are on display.

5. Vintage Automobile Museum of NJ — Point Pleasant

Have you ever wanted to see a Ford Model T? This museum has lots of classics to check out during visiting hours (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, noon-4:00 p.m.). A rotating fleet of classic cars is on display, so there will always be something fresh to see with every visit.

6. TiLT — East Rutherford

Located in the American Dream Mall, this 3D art experience is one the kids will love. Take photos in front of some amazing art designed to look like you're part of scenes like climbing the Statue of Liberty or interacting with a gorilla. 

RELATED: Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids

Northlandz's model train display is intricate and massive. Photo courtesy of the museum

7. Northlandz — Flemington

Any train lover will be absolutely amazed by this enormous model train display that covers over 50,000 square feet. The exhibit is truly a work of art with intricately designed scenes that stretch from room to room over bridges, through tunnels, and into a farm of toothpicks! There's also an unusual display of pipe organs and over 200 dolls. Plus, you can buy tickets for a short train ride around the property.

Unique NJ Attractions for Kids

9. Fairy Tale Forest — Oak Ridge

Step into the world of Grimm's fairy tales at Fairy Tale Forest. You can peek into the windows of life-sized cottages and see scenes like Old Woman in the Shoe, Goldilocks, the Three Little Pigs, and more. All the statues and scenes were originally crafted in the 1970s and were recently restored with the re-opening of the forest to guests.

10. Deserted Village — Berkeley Heights

Take a tour of the Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park, located in the Watchung Reservation, where a community once lived in the 1700-1800s. You'll see structures like old houses, a barn, a store, a church, and more.

11. Amazon — Edison and Robbinsville

If your kids have ever wondered where your Amazon packages come from, two NJ Amazon warehouses offer free walking tours that show how Amazon uses technology to deliver items to customers. Guests must be at least 6 years old to join the tour.

12. Howling Woods Farm — Jacksonville

This non-profit wolf educational center is open by appointment to visitors ages 10 and up on Wednesdays, Fridays, and one day each weekend. You'll get to see some of the rescue wolves like Lyra, Orion, and Syrius.

13. AriZonaland — Keasby

Test out the latest and greatest AriZona iced tea flavors on the factory tour and get a look at how they make their famous iced teas. Expect lots of unique photo-ops along the way. Tours at AriZonaland start in fall 2024.

14. Columbia Trail's Gnome Homes and Fairy Houses — High Bridge

NJ families may be familiar with the fairy house trail in Millburn, but there's another fairy trail in High Bridge on the Columbia trail. Take a hike on the trail and see all the enchanted spots that gnomes and fairies call home.

15. Catsbury Park — Asbury Park

Calling all cat lovers! Cuddle and play with about 25 cats and kittens that are looking for their furr-ever homes. Reservations are recommended because there can only be 10 guests per hour.